In the ever-evolving world of public transportation, leadership is more than just managing day-to-day operations — it’s about inspiring trust, fostering collaboration, and creating space for innovation. Mike Heidkamp, former Chief Operations Officer of Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), exemplifies this kind of leadership.
During his tenure, Mike brought a refreshing approach to operations by focusing not only on efficiency and reliability, but also on the people who keep the system moving — our frontline operators. One of his most notable initiatives was the formation of PRT’s first-ever Operator Focus Group. This groundbreaking step gave operators a seat at the table, allowing their voices, experiences, and ideas to directly influence operational decisions. It was a clear sign that under Mike’s leadership, communication would be a two-way street.
What sets Mike apart is his trust in the people he leads. He doesn’t believe in micromanagement — instead, he empowers others to do their jobs with autonomy and confidence. That trust, in turn, fosters loyalty, accountability, and a stronger team dynamic across the board.
Those of us who had the opportunity to work with Mike experienced firsthand his steady presence and genuine commitment to service. His approachability, strategic mindset, and respect for the workforce helped strengthen internal relationships and elevate operational standards throughout the organization.
Mike Heidkamp’s legacy at Pittsburgh Regional Transit isn’t just about the programs he launched — it’s about the culture he helped build. A culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and forward-thinking.
Andre Carr
Director of Service and Delivery
PRT
My time with Mike during the APTA Emerging Leaders Program (23-24) left a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally. As a mentor, Mike led an exercise that taught me profound lessons in humility and leadership-insights I carry with me every day. One of the tangible reminders created during that leadership exercise still lives in my professional bag, a symbol of the mindset he helped instill. His influence helped shape the foundation of the team I later created, embedding those leadership principles into the way I work and lead today.
Mat Olson
HDR
I'm writing regarding Mike Heidkamp and the working relationship we have had. Mike was always the kind of guy who never forgot where he came from. He was always someone who would answer a question with any situation that came up. He has always endorsed union relationships while addressing our union at-will probationary new members. I have known him for over 21 years and have full confidence Mike would be an asset in any work he seeks in his future endeavors or working relationships.
Mike Allen
ATU Local 85
Business agent-Operators
I first met Mike during a visit to Pittsburgh Regional Transit in June of 2023 while attending EnoMAX. Mike brought me up to his office along with a few members of his management team to advise me on my business project. During lunch we also discussed recruiting, effective leadership, transit operations and rail infrastructure. After returning home, I applied for a couple of management positions. I called Mike for advise, and he provided me a lot of pertinent insight. It was because of my conversations with Mike that I began my journey into grad school at the University of Colorado for my Master's in Public Administration. Our conversations have inspired me to grow in ways I had not imagined only a few years ago.
Mike is someone who genuinely cares for other success, both professionally and in life outside of work. He is relentlessly supportive and taps into a wealth of experience when providing guidance. Mike's unique and optimistic perspective fosters motivation and sound guidance for professional success while reminding me to stay grounded.
Joe Hopfner
RTD
I am writing this regarding Mike Heidkamp and some of the experiences I had working with him. We worked for the same company and Mike was in a leadership position and I for the local union. Mike was always more than fair and was willing to resolve issues when they arose. When covid came along Mike came to work every day while others were working from home. Mike was always was on time for meetings, and always would make everyone in the room feel welcomed. I have known Mike for over 25 years and would recommend him to anyone I know. If I had my own business and needed five people to run it, I would hire five Mikes!
Jim McDonough
ATU Local 85
Business Agent-Maintenance
In 2014 I was hired by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority as a grade 4 Electronic Equipment Maintainer. In 2017 I was promoted to Electronic Repair Supervisor and then Electronic Repair Manager in 2018. I was awarded an APTF scholarship in 2020 and enrolled in the APTA Mentoring program. After reading through the mentor’s bios, I requested Mike since we both had been promoted from the union. As soon as Mike and I started a dialogue, it was evident that he was a wealth of insight and experience. Mike is a very genuine person and truly cares in the development of others. He was very active in getting to know my position and my organization. I traveled to his Authority in Pittsburgh for a comprehensive tour of the infrastructure and vehicles. He introduced me to his colleagues, some of which I still collaborate with. Even after the mentoring program had ended, Mike would still touch base and even came out to Cleveland to tour the Authority and meet with our front office personnel.
The greatest impact that Mike had on me was in my development as a leader and business professional. I was very proficient in the technology and field engineering of my department, but I was not very developed in my business professional skillset. Mike pushed me outside of my comfort zone and I began to have greater success communicating with my executive level management and peers. I was able to strengthen those relationships and get greater buy-in from others on projects and initiatives related to my department. Inside my own department, I invested heavily in the GCRTA’s summer intern program and have had success managing 4 interns in my project management program. I modified my approach to my management team direct reports and invested in pushing them to greater professional development and communication within our organization.
Mike is the genuine article. A hard-working professional that has succeeded at every level of a transit organization. He is deeply committed to the success of those around him and has very keen insights into professional development. He has had an enormous impact on the way I perform my job and the way that I approach my team and mentees. I greatly appreciate his continued support and the professional relationships he has facilitated for me. Mike receives my highest recommendation as a mentor and professional developer, and I truly appreciate the time we have worked together.
Christopher Weil
Electronic Repair Manager - GCRTA
Mike Heidkamp has been invaluable, his many years in public transportation has been inspiring. He always leads by example and is always coaching his people. Mike has taught me how to be a leader by putting your people first. Even when he was not directly talking to you, if you paid attention, you learned something. I had many conversations with Mike and I always took something from each conversation. I don’t think I would be where I am today if not for him, he is a great leader and coach. I am a better person from working with him.
Gary Pearsol
Director of Service Delivery
Collier Division
Mike Heidkamp, former Chief Operations Officer – Transportation at Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), is a standout example of transformative leadership and mentorship in public transportation.
Over his 30-year career at Port Authority of Allegheny County now known as Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Mike led with purpose, integrity, and a strong belief in the power of people. He approached leadership not just as a function of oversight, but as an opportunity to mentor, guide, and elevate those around him. His people-first philosophy centered on empowering frontline employees — recognizing their insights as vital to operational excellence.
Mike was the kind of leader who led by example — steady, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the growth of others. He trusted his team and gave them the autonomy to lead, encouraging accountability, innovation, and ownership at every level. His mentoring style built confidence, developed future leaders, and strengthened the organization from within.
Those who worked closely with Mike remember his calm presence, strategic mind, and deep respect for the workforce. He was a mentor in the truest sense — someone who listened, supported, and helped others see their potential.
Mike Heidkamp’s legacy isn’t just measured by initiatives or titles, but by the leaders he helped shape and the culture he left behind — one grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Charles Reeves
Chief Transportation Officer
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Mike and I have known each other for over two decades now.
When I started my career at Port Authority of Allegheny County Mike was my instructor that was assigned to me to teach me to acquire my CDL during my training period.
Since that time our relationship has grown dramatically as our careers evolved.
While we both are in different roles now, we've had to work together through the union and management over the last 5 plus years together.
Mike is a proponent of doing what's right not necessarily what is easy. This is a characteristic of true leadership.
Mike would be an asset to any organization or business venture that he takes part in. Mike is also very passionate about all his ventures and endeavors. This is a great characteristic derived from a great work ethic.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions regarding this correspondence or need more information regarding Mr. Heidkamp.
Ross Nicotero III
President - Business Agent
ATU Local 85
I had the opportunity to work alongside Mike Heidkamp for six years at Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and I can honestly say that few leaders have had as profound an impact on my professional development as Mike has.
From the beginning, Mike inspired me with his strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence, but what truly set him apart was the way he coached. He consistently challenged me to think critically, to approach problems from multiple perspectives, and to lead with intention and integrity. What I appreciated most was his ability to create space for others to lead — he trusted me to take the reins, and then stood beside me as a partner and coach, always ready with thoughtful feedback and support.
Mike’s mentorship helped shape how I approach leadership today. His balance of accountability and empathy is rare, and his passion for developing people is genuine. With the launch of MTH Consulting, Mike is now offering the same guidance and insight that benefited so many of us at PRT to a broader audience — and I can’t think of a better person to help organizations and leaders grow.
If you're seeking a coach who brings real-world experience, thoughtful guidance, and a collaborative spirit, Mike is exactly who you want in your corner.
Ben Claus
Area Transit Market Sector Leader
HDR
When I started at Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) in 2014, Mike was my office neighbor. Soon he would be promoted into a more prominent leadership role but he stayed genuine and always cared how I was doing when our paths would cross. To my surprise, in the fall of 2020, while leading the agency through a global pandemic, he found the time and accepted my application to be my mentor, and he’s been a trusted friend ever since.
The partnership Mike built with me played a pivotal role in developing the knowledge, skills, and perspective I needed for both personal and professional growth. His willingness to share his insight and experience helped me clarify my career development goals and strengthened my relationships with colleagues across the agency.
As someone who truly believes he gave me the tools to catapult my career, trust me when I say: if you’re looking for thoughtful guidance, honest feedback, and direction from someone who deeply understands the transit industry, Mike Heidkamp is exactly the person you want in your corner.
Jacob A. Cherevka
Director of Facilities Systems
PRT
My first interaction with Mike was less than admirable, on my side, but turned into a positive. I just completed a very long and frustrating day and was blocked in my parking spot. I went over the radio and was a little unprofessional in asking whoever had me blocked to leave. Upon hearing this, Mike pulls me to the side to talk, however because of my frustration I was ready to argue and was on go. I’ll never forget Mike’s words that day. In the softest most comforting voice, he said “hey buddy you gotta keep it professional even though you’re upset today, tomorrow’s gonna be a different day. I see the potential in you, go home, and get some rest. Fast forward 2 years I’m now an assistant director working on his team. Mike would randomly drop by my office and drop pearls in the form of stories about integrity, honesty, compassion, and responsibility. Mike had faith in my leadership skills, and I will always appreciate it also the guidance he gave me.
Tiran C. West
Director of Service and Delivery
Ross Division
PRT
Having had the privilege of working with and for Mike Heidkamp during our time at Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), I can confidently say that the values and vision he now brings through MTH Consulting LLC are rooted in decades of meaningful leadership and mentorship.
Mike didn’t just lead operations — he nurtured people. His approach was grounded in mutual earned respect, strategic clarity, and a genuine belief in the abilities of all he recruited to his team, and frontline workers. He understood that sustainable success in transit comes from within — by building up teams, listening to those closest to the work, and creating a culture of trust and accountability.
During my time at PRT, I not only experienced but saw firsthand how Mike empowered others to grow. Whether navigating complex challenges or developing long-term workforce strategies, Mike led, with a thoughtful presence that inspired confidence and trust that whatever challenges we faced, he had our backs and would get us to the finish line. He encouraged innovation, supported professional development, and always kept the workforce at the center of the conversation.
MTH Consulting LLC reflects Mike’s enduring commitment to the public transportation sector and helping organizations thrive by investing in their people. His legacy at PRT — and now through his consulting work — is one of integrity, collaboration, and the belief that strong leadership is about lifting others up.
Jason Macumber,
Senior Advisor of Workforce Development and Technology
International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center (FTA)
Mike Heidkamp is an invaluable source of transportation knowledge and insight. With over 30 years of experience, he has dedicated his career—and truly his life—to bettering Pittsburgh Regional Transit and advancing the transportation industry as a whole. He is one of the most genuine and empowering leaders I have ever met.
I have had the privilege of working closely with Mike in numerous capacities throughout my career, most notably as a Director of Service Delivery on his team during his tenure as Chief Operations Officer. With Mike at the helm of operations, PRT experienced a renewed energy and a focus on leadership development that had not been seen before. His commitment to fostering leadership across all levels of the organization set a new standard and created lasting, meaningful change.
The professional development opportunities he championed, and his direct mentorship have had a profound impact on my career trajectory. His deep well of experience—particularly in transit operations and labor relations—is unmatched in the industry. What sets Mike apart even further is his willingness to share that knowledge with others, especially those who may not yet have had the same opportunities. That openness is a true testament to his character and his passion for the field.
I can say with confidence that I would not be where I am today without his guidance and support. It is without hesitation that I recommend Mike Heidkamp to anyone seeking a transformational leader, mentor, or collaborator in the transportation space. His impact is lasting, his leadership is inspiring, and his dedication is unmatched. I am truly grateful to have learned from him and proud to call him a mentor.
James MacNeil
Deputy Chief Transportation
Pittsburgh Regional Transit